THE DIVISION BELL

The Division Bell represents a vast improvement over both The Final Cut and A Momentary Lapse of Reason. The music and vocals are both stronger. The return of Richard Wright to the creative fold is stunning as he produces some of the best songs he's ever written in Wearing the Inside Out and in Coming Back to Life. The lyrics are more biting and play is more inspired. Gilmour's guitar and vocals are crisper and the smoky, funky-jazzy Wright material is a nice change in direction. None of this is very original, however, and I wonder if a Waters-less Pink Floyd is capable of cutting edge material. Fractional ratings of 3.75 out of 5 would be about right on this one as its very good, but neither essential nor quite excellent.